UAE Standardises Friday Prayer Timing Across All Mosques
The United Arab Emirates has announced a historic change for Friday (Jumuʿah) prayers. Starting Friday, 2 January 2026, all mosques in the UAE will hold the Friday sermon and prayer at the same time: 12:45 PM local time. This move aims to unify the nation’s prayer schedule and make planning easier for worshippers.
12/10/20251 min read
Why the Change?
Previously, different emirates had slightly varied Friday prayer times. Dubai and Abu Dhabi often held prayers around 1:15–1:30 PM, while Sharjah and the northern emirates preferred 12:30 PM. This variation occasionally caused confusion for commuters, workers, and families.
The UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat emphasised that the unified time still aligns with Islamic guidelines for Friday prayer, ensuring religious compliance while promoting consistency across the country.
What’s New
Unified Time: Every mosque nationwide will conduct Friday sermons and prayers at 12:45 PM.
Starting Date: 2 January 2026.
Consistency: The prayer time will remain fixed year-round, offering predictability regardless of seasonal changes in daylight.
Worshippers are encouraged to arrive early to participate in the sermon and ensure a smooth prayer experience.
Benefits for Residents and Communities
Simplified Planning: A single nationwide prayer time eliminates the need to check local schedules in different emirates.
Balanced Schedule: The timing allows enough space for morning activities, lunch, and work while concluding early enough for afternoon commitments.
Unified Worship: Holding all Friday prayers simultaneously fosters a sense of community and shared rhythm across the UAE.
Looking Ahead
The UAE’s decision reflects a thoughtful approach to religious practice, convenience, and community cohesion. For residents, workers, and families, the unified Friday prayer time will bring predictability and ease to weekly routines while strengthening a shared sense of unity across the nation.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration